What are the stages of the cell cycle?

The stages of the cell cycle are Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase and Cytokinesis.

The cell cycle is a series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication. It is divided into five main stages: Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase and Cytokinesis.

Interphase is the first stage and it is the period during which the cell is not dividing. It is the longest phase of the cell cycle, during which the cell grows and duplicates its DNA in preparation for division. Interphase is further divided into three phases: G1 (first gap), S (synthesis of DNA), and G2 (second gap).

The next stage is Prophase, which is the first stage of mitosis, the process of cell division. During Prophase, the chromatin condenses into chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.

Metaphase follows Prophase. In this stage, the chromosomes line up along the metaphase plate, an imaginary line that is equidistant from the two centrosome poles. The spindle fibres attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.

Anaphase is the next stage. During Anaphase, the sister chromatids separate and are pulled towards opposite ends of the cell. This ensures that each new cell will receive one copy of each chromosome.

Telophase is the final stage of mitosis. In this stage, the separated chromosomes reach the opposite poles of the cell, the nuclear envelope re-forms, and the chromosomes decondense.

The final stage of the cell cycle is Cytokinesis. This is the process where the cytoplasm of the cell divides, creating two daughter cells. In animal cells, this is achieved through a cleavage furrow, while in plant cells, a cell plate forms.

Each of these stages is crucial for the successful division and duplication of cells, ensuring the continuity of life.